Bears Hold On To 2 More Free Agents

Vinson Smith and John Mangum, two versatile members of the Bears' defense, signed new contracts Thursday, joining Joe Cain and Chris Zorich as free agents who are staying.

Smith, who can play all three linebacker positions, signed for two years and $1.5 million. Mangum, a nickel back who can play corner and safety, signed for three years and $1.6 million. Both got considerable raises. Smith's last contract averaged $482,000, Mangum's $463,000.

The Bears also signed second-year linebacker Darwin Ireland.

Safeties Mark Carrier and Shaun Gayle and nickel back-special teams ace Maurice Douglass remain free agents from coach Dave Wannstedt's defense whom the Bears would like to re-sign. On offense, the two primary targets are quarterback Steve Walsh and tight end Keith Jennings.

Walsh's chances of staying improved when the Carolina Panthers invited Buffalo's Frank Reich and Detroit's David Krieg for visits this week but left Walsh out.